Futurelawyer

Dell now offering “No software pre-installed” option | Gadgetell

Link: Dell now offering “No software pre-installed” option | Gadgetell. Vista haters, unite! Dell is now offering new computers without an operating system! Huzzah! I have been helping a friend with his new computer, and it came from the local big box store with Vista Home preinstalled. What a nightmare. Just using this thing is problematic, even after the ubiquitous dialog boxes are turned off. If you have your old copies of XP that you are no longer using, or if you want to jump into the open-source Linux world (preferred provider is Ubuntu), then have at it. You don't have to pay for a copy of Vista you neither want nor need. If you are a law firm buying more than one computer, this can mean real Dollar savings.

Does the FutureLawyer Need a Twelve-Step Program?

Okay, so I like to blog. I enjoy finding cool gadgets, and discussing tech issues as they relate to the practice of law. I do it every day, sometimes twice a day. Oh, okay, sometimes, I sneak some blogging in when I should be working. Does that make me an addict? All bloggers are familiar with the cryptic emails from their service providers when a reader unsubscribes from the blog. Readers are generally asked the reason they are unsubscribing, which is usually "Declines to Give a Reason". Thank goodness the reasons don't include "This dork is really boring." But, recently, I have had the reason given as "Too many updates". Huh? I guess I must be blogging too much, or is my former reader trying to tell me that a little FutureLawyer is palatable, but too much is too much? Okay, okay. I am a blogger. I will try to stop. But, if I can't, please don't institutionalize me. I would be compelled to blog about conditions at the hospital. Now, please pour me another cup of coffee. I really, really need it.

Sarotech's Cutie Bio portable HDD sports fingerprint scanner - Engadget

Link: Sarotech's Cutie Bio portable HDD sports fingerprint scanner - Engadget. Here is a little portable hard drive that answers the question of security. I carry smaller versions of these around, and I am always asked: "What if you lose it, or it is stolen?" This little drive provides an answer - it contains a fingerprint scanner that will prevent access to its data. Great idea.

Don't Tell Me What's Up, Doc - Forbes.com

Link: Don't Tell Me What's Up, Doc - Forbes.com. In an interesting study of Doctor-Patient relationships, the conclusion that patients don't want to hear personal information from their Doctor got me thinking about law practice. I have always felt that lawyers' interactions with clients should be LESS formal and stilted, and have often gotten positive reaction from clients who tell me that my informal style is appreciated. The sharing of personal information and the disclosure of a sense of humor, in my view, has a place in creating a shared experience between lawyer and client. Does this not translate to Doctor and Patient? It may depend on the patient, and upon the level of sickness. Most people who come to lawyers with a problem certainly want the problem solved; however, in my experience, they want to feel comfortable with the lawyer, and small talk helps that process. What do you think?

Wii Media Center X - Stream Media to Wii

Link: Wii Media Center X - Stream Media to Wii. As I predicted, the Internet connected Nintendo Wii is attracting developers who are thinking of new ways to use it. In alpha, but with minimal functionality at present, the Wii Media Center allows the Wii to access files on any computer on the network running the Media Center software being developed by Red Kawa. Versions are also available for the PSP, and for the various operating systems. Very rough, and doesn't work properly yet, but I will be keeping an eye on it.

But Will It Talk To God?

Link: David Kuo: J-Walking, David Kuo blog, faith, politics, christian blog, tempting faith. This is an interesting post about the "religious fervor" of Appleists, those persons of the Mac persuasion who take their love of all things Apple to the altar of worship. Has Apple gone from a Cult to a Religion? Will the IPhone talk to God? Well, of course this is all tongue in cheek fun, but the article makes some interesting comparisons. Religious faith depends upon some beliefs that are impossible to prove empirically. The proposed IPhone and its coming legion of angels is a perfect example. The attempted proselytization of us poor Windows and Linux users by the robed high priests of Appleism has the feel of religious fervor. Grant, are you listening? :-)

'Citizen journalism' battles the Chinese censors

Link: 'Citizen journalism' battles the Chinese censors. Sometimes, I read a current news story that warms my heart. I am an advocate of free speech, and there is too much "politically correct" speech out there nowadays. The clever Chinese students who are creating ways to avoid the Chinese Government censors give me hope. The Internet will always find a way, and the free flow of information cannot be stopped. We lawyers should encourage this trend, and should carefully examine the true beliefs of our next President about information freedom. Yes, we need to fight terrorism; however, do you want to live in a society where your views are monitored and controlled by a central Government? Didn't think so.

Court Appointments in the Real World

Moto Labs - Multi-Touch Tables for the Masses

Link: Moto Labs - home. Apparently, Microsoft is not the only company with multi-touch computer tables ready for the market. Moto.com Labs are creating touch systems that will be usable in many markets, and you can expect to see them in all sorts of configurations in the future. Daniell Herbert, the CEO, showed the system at Maker Faire, and says:

"Multi-touch systems have been around for many years in research labs. What is new is that we're making it completely available to collaborators - and we're open to making it even more open. "
"The hardware interface is simple, the code is open source, and the table can work with any programming development environment on a PC. Simplicity and openness allow quick development of compelling applications for museums, tradeshows, building lobbies, retail spaces and curriculum in the technology design classroom. "

Well, it isn't exactly open source, but it isn't Microsoft either. That alone is enough to get my attention. These tables would look great in Courthouses and Judge's waiting rooms, wouldn't they. Just touch to check the law or court schedule or whatever.

The Official Palm Blog: Sprint 700p MR Available

Link: The Official Palm Blog: Sprint 700p MR Available. Well, finally the Palm Treo 700p update is available for Sprint customers , but we Verizon Wireless people are still waiting. Palm has alienated many Treo customers, and is losing business over this. Instead, it is banking its future on the "Fooleo", a really brain-dead UMPC sized flip top that connects to Treos via BlueTooth. People are so NOT going to want to carry a keyboard and screen to connect to their Palm. What they want is a Treo that doesn't crash. Don't get me wrong, the Treo is still the best and most versatile smart phone on the planet; however, Palm is making enemies of its best customers with its incompetence.